Work Text:
The air was warm, but by this point in time the blazing sun had disappeared, leaving purple to overtake the golden hues of the sky. Day was taking its leave, and night was starting to fall, but in the meantime, in the time between the two, there was twilight.
The land was calm. Or maybe peaceful was a better word for it; the gentle chirping of crickets could be heard from afar, and, though it was getting late, the sound of birds could still be heard occasionally, singing their soft tunes.
Tubbo let himself sink further into the grass, back pressing up against the ground. His eyes fluttered lazily as they looked up at the darkening sky above, more and more stars popping into view as time continued to pass. Something in the hybrid had loosened; the knot of anxiety, of foreboding anticipation, had begun to unravel, leaving way for a simple calmness, a sort of assurance. He wouldn’t call what he felt confidence - he didn’t think he’d ever be able to feel completely at ease, not when they were up against a war - but a serene acceptance had taken ahold of him. What would happen, would happen, and that would be that. He’d fight as long as Wilbur told him to, would stand his ground and aid his friends as long as the battle raged on, but if the time came, he’d recognise defeat. But, he thought they had a good shot, dealing with what was to come. He had prepared well for the war, after all.
An emotion resembling gratification swelled up in him at the thought, and he smiled, softly. He’d do L’Manberg proud, that was for sure.
Then suddenly there was a pair of brown boots by Tubbo’s face, and he was snapped out of his semi-reverie, face a picture of composed surprise. “Hey, Tommy. I thought you were at the Embassy?”
Tommy didn’t answer, and Tubbo blinked dark blue eyes, ear twitching gently as he waited for an answer, before eventually turning his attention back up to the sky when he didn’t receive one. A few more moments of silence passed, and then the blond let out a loud sigh. Soon enough Tubbo heard the sound of grass moving as the younger boy came to sit down besides him. The brown haired boy tilted his head to the side, catching a glimpse of the other’s frown, concern drawn into his features. Despite the sight, Tubbo smiled, twisting his body around to better face his friend. “What’s up Big Man?”
Tommy furrowed his eyebrows, frown deepening. Tubbo merely raised an eyebrow. “You gonna finally answer me, or...?”
The blond bit down on his upper lip, eyes suddenly narrowing, before shifting his position and turning to face his best friend, blue eyes meeting blue.
“Tubbo, aren’t you worried? Like, at all?”
Tubbo blinked, slowly. “About tomorrow?”
“Yeah, man!” Tommy exclaimed, expression taking on something exasperated, and he stared at his friend, eyes wide. “Tomorrow’s it! The day to decide it all! If we fuck it up, then everything we’ve been fighting for is....” He looked away and raised his hand to his head in the same movement, fingers clutching at blond hair. Anxiety was written all over his face. “It’ll all be for nothing, Tubbo.”
Tubbo hummed quietly. “I mean, I don’t think it’ll be all bad.”
“What, us losing won’t be bad?” He scoffed, shaking his head disapprovingly. “It’ll only be a waste of all our efforts if we have to go back to living under Dream .” He said the name with distaste, anger carved into every letter of the word. “I don’t want that. I won’t fucking have it.”
The brown haired boy let out a small laugh, smiling gently. “Nah, that’s not what I meant.” He paused momentarily, taking a few seconds to push himself up from the ground until he was sat, shoulders slightly hunched over. He crossed his legs, and looked up at Tommy, eyes bright. “I meant that I think you’re being too pessimistic.”
“Oh, thanks , Tubbo.”
“No, seriously!” Tubbo raised his hands appeasingly. “I think you are. We’re well prepared, y’know. I spent ages grinding for resources with Eret.” His smile took on something kind, almost confident. “We have a good chance. And hey, we’ll be doing it together. All of us L’Manberg folks.”
Tommy didn’t answer, and in the now dark light, he couldn’t make out his expression all too well. But he could practically envision his best friend’s annoyed pout, and, judging by the silence he was receiving, he was sure what he was imagining resembled reality. Tubbo sighed, and reached out a hand, taking Tommy’s in his gently. “Don’t be like that, man. You’re usually the optimistic one. What happened?”
Tommy’s hand was limp in Tubbo’s grasp, but, eventually, he squeezed back. To the hybrid’s surprise, he could feel the other’s hand tremble, ever so slightly. “I’m just nervous, Tubso.” He murmured, voice quiet. “L’Manberg.. it means a lot to me. I’m proud to be a part of it. And I don’t want to let anyone down.”
“Well, you won’t.” Tubbo assured firmly, scooting over in the grass to sit closer to his friend. “I know how much you care about this, man. You’re not gonna mess up, especially with the whole of L’Manberg by your side.” He grinned, suddenly, a teasing note to his tone as he then spoke. “And, besides, you wouldn’t dare let us down. You’d never hear the end of it from me.”
Tommy snorted. “Thanks, Tubbo. I always knew I could count on you.”
Tubbo heard the sarcasm laced in his voice, but also didn’t miss the way it softened, a lighter edge overtaking his words. The brown haired boy’s grin softened as well, and he leaned back slightly, giving Tommy’s hand a final squeeze before letting go. A moment passed, and then he had fallen back against the grass, arms tucked behind his head, dark blue eyes shining as they looked up at the night sky. In the time he had taken to reassure his friend, the world above had been filled with stars.
Tubbo heard shuffling besides him, and a quick glance over confirmed his suspicions - Tommy had moved to join him, back pressed up against the grass, eyes watching the stars. From this angle, he could just about make out the relaxed look on his best friend’s face, free from worry.
Tubbo smiled to himself. Everything would be fine.